The so tcalled plodding of this and most of GT's stuff from the 80's and 90's both MTB's and BMX comes from the longer than typical wheelbases and top lines. This is not bad just a bit different leaning more towards GT's heritage of coming from making top end adult sized BMX bikes. On these you need to figure on getting a bike one or two sizes smaller than typical based on standard CC sizing. If you have one that is correctly sized based on the top line . I have found they have very nice riding character somewhat grounded with good handling and braking.